If you are doing anything as part of a Time Bank exchange, make sure that you are not putting your own health and safety, or that of anyone else, at risk. This simply means taking sensible precautions when you approach a task.

If you have any concerns about what you have been asked to do, then feel free to contact the Time Broker for advice. Occasionally a risk assessment may have been carried out in advance of an exchange. If you have concerns, feel free to ask the Time Broker if an assessment has been done; if there is a risk assessment, read it carefully before you start work and follow its guidance.

If there is no risk assessment, use your own judgement. In particular, if you are not sure that something is safe – then DON’T DO IT!

Fire

If a fire starts, take no risks – leave the premises immediately. Raise the alarm if you know other people are around. Get to a safe place and call 999.

Gas

If you smell gas and can’t identify the source, extinguish all flames and do not use any electrical switches. Make sure all gas taps are turned off and open doors and windows. Call the Transco Gas Emergency Service free on 0800 111999.

Electricity

Do not carry out electrical work unless you are a qualified electrician. For other work, make sure you do not overload power points. Do not trail wires or flexes over hot or wet surfaces, or where someone might trip over them. Do not use any electrical appliances in a bathroom.

Tools and equipment

Use tools and equipment only if they are in good working order and you know how to use them.

Safe movement

Do not stand on anything unstable.

If there are obstructions or potential hazards where you need to work, ask if you can clear them out of the way. Keep areas free of wires and tools to avoid the risk of trips.

If you spill something on the floor, clean it up at once. Dispose of all waste properly – in recycling bins whenever possible!

Lifting and handling

Avoid lifting or moving loads where this might cause a hazard to you or to someone else. If a job turns out to be too big or too heavy for you, contact the Time Bank: we can seek to arrange for it to be done another time by a bigger team.

Finally – take regular breaks. Don’t get too tired, as this might impair your judgement about risks.